The CMAT 2026 All India Rank (AIR) list and scorecard were released by NTA on February 17, 2026, at cmat.nta.nic.in, for 41,872 students who appeared in the exam on January 25, 2026. As of July 15, 2026, state-level merit lists for MBA admissions are actively being published — MP DTE’s Round 1 CMAT-based merit list is confirmed released, and Maharashtra’s CAP Final Merit List is scheduled for July 20, 2026. Your position on any state merit list depends on your total CMAT 2026 score (out of 400), your category, and your state domicile.
- NTA released the CMAT 2026 central merit list (AIR & scorecard) on February 17, 2026 for all 41,872 students who sat the exam on January 25, 2026.
- Your CMAT 2026 scorecard shows your total score out of 400, NTA percentile, and All India Rank — all three values are used by state counselling authorities to prepare state-level merit lists.
- MP DTE’s Round 1 CMAT-based MBA merit list is confirmed released (first week of July 2026); MP DTE Round 2 merit list is scheduled for July 23, 2026.
- Maharashtra’s MAH MBA CET CAP, which accepts CMAT 2026 scores under the All India category, is ongoing — the Final Merit List is expected on July 20, 2026; CAP registration closes July 16, 2026.
- State merit lists combine your CMAT score with category reservation and domicile criteria — your state rank may differ significantly from your All India Rank depending on the pool of students registered in that state.
- Students targeting Goa (GCPA), Gujarat (ACPC), Andhra Pradesh (APSCHE), or other states must check those portals separately; those lists are expected through July–August 2026.
- The CMAT merit list is not the same as the CMAT result — the result shows your raw score; the merit list ranks you within a specific state or institutional applicant pool.
Once your name appears in a state merit list, complete document verification and choice filling within the published counselling window — missing the deadline removes you from the allotment process, and you may lose your MBA seat even with a strong CMAT 2026 score.
| Download CMAT 2026 Merit List & Scorecard (All India Rank) @ cmat.nta.nic.in |
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Key Summary — CMAT 2026 Merit List: central AIR released February 17, 2026; state-level lists in progress as of July 15, 2026.
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What is CMAT Merit List 2026?
The CMAT merit list is a rank-ordered list of students based on their performance in the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). NTA publishes the central merit list as the All India Rank (AIR) on the official scorecard — released on February 17, 2026, for 41,872 students via cmat.nta.nic.in. Each state counselling authority then prepares a separate state merit list using CMAT 2026 scores combined with category reservation and domicile eligibility for that state’s MBA admissions.
The state merit list is what directly determines which MBA or PGDM college you can be allotted a seat in through centralized counselling. Students who did not register with a state counselling portal are not included in that state’s merit list, even if they hold a valid CMAT 2026 scorecard with a strong All India Rank. The NTA AIR and the state merit list rank are two distinct ranks that serve different purposes in the CMAT admissions cycle.
Types of CMAT Merit List 2026
| Type of Merit List | Issued By | Basis | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| All India Rank (AIR) / Central Merit List | NTA | Total score out of 400 & percentile (released Feb 17, 2026) | National benchmark; used by individual colleges for their own shortlisting process |
| State Merit List | State DTE / CET Cell (e.g., MP DTE, MAH CET Cell) | CMAT score + state domicile + category + state-specific tie-breaking rules | Centralised counselling and seat allotment within a state for MBA admissions |
| Category-wise Merit List | State DTE / Individual Institute | CMAT score ranked within each reservation category (SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD) | Ensures proportional seat allocation as per constitutional reservation norms |
| Institute-Level Merit List | Individual B-school | CMAT score + GD/WAT/PI performance + academic profile | Final admission shortlist for a specific institute outside state counselling |
CMAT Merit List Dates 2026
The events table below covers the full CMAT 2026 merit list cycle. Upcoming events are listed first, nearest date at the top; completed events appear in chronological order below with an (Over) tag.
| Event | Date 2026 |
|---|---|
| MAH MBA CET CAP — Provisional Seat Allotment | July 15, 2026 |
| MAH MBA CET CAP — Registration Last Date | July 16, 2026 |
| MAH MBA CET CAP — Final Merit List | July 20, 2026 |
| MP DTE MBA Round 2 Merit List (CMAT-based) | July 23, 2026 |
| Gujarat (ACPC), Goa (GCPA) & Other State Merit Lists | July–August 2026 (Expected) |
| CMAT 2026 Exam (Over) | January 25, 2026 |
| NTA CMAT 2026 Result & All India Rank (Central Merit List) Released (Over) | February 17, 2026 |
| MAH MBA CET CAP Registration Opens (Over) | July 2, 2026 |
| MP DTE MBA Round 1 Merit List (CMAT-based) Released (Over) | First week of July 2026 |
All dates are subject to revision by NTA or the respective state counselling authority. Check cmat.nta.nic.in and your state counselling portal regularly for any schedule updates.
State-wise CMAT Merit List 2026 PDF Download
State-level CMAT 2026 merit lists are prepared by state authorities who conduct their own centralised counselling for MBA seats. You must register separately on each state counselling portal to appear in that state’s merit list — holding an NTA CMAT 2026 scorecard alone is not sufficient for state merit list inclusion. The table below reflects merit list status as of July 15, 2026.
| State | Counselling Authority | Merit List Status (July 15, 2026) | Official Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madhya Pradesh | MP DTE | Round 1 Released (first week of July 2026); Round 2 Expected July 23, 2026 | dte.mponline.gov.in |
| Maharashtra | MAH CET Cell (CAP) | CAP in progress; Provisional Seat Allotment: July 15, 2026; Final Merit List Expected: July 20, 2026 | cetcell.mahacet.org |
| Goa | GCPA (Goa Common Pool Authority) | Expected July–August 2026 | To Be Announced |
| Gujarat | ACPC Gujarat | Expected July–August 2026 | acpc.ac.in |
| Andhra Pradesh | APSCHE | Expected July–August 2026 | To Be Announced |
| Telangana | TSCHE / ICET Cell | Expected July–August 2026 | To Be Announced |
| Rajasthan | State DTE / RKCL | Expected July–August 2026 | To Be Announced |
Beyond these state-counselling bodies, over 500 MBA/PGDM institutes across India accept CMAT 2026 scores and publish their own institute-level merit lists on their individual admission portals. For the most current official list of participating states and portals, refer to cmat.nta.nic.in.
CMAT Cutoff 2026
NTA does not declare a single national qualifying cutoff for CMAT 2026. Each state authority and individual institute sets its own CMAT 2026 cutoff based on applicant numbers, seat availability, and category reservation norms. The table below shows the typical category-wise minimum qualifying percentile bands observed at state-counselling level for CMAT 2026.
| Category | Typical Qualifying Percentile (State Counselling) | Approximate Score out of 400 |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 50th percentile and above | 140+ marks |
| OBC-NCL | 40th percentile and above | 120+ marks |
| EWS | 40th percentile and above | 120+ marks |
| SC | 30th percentile and above | 90+ marks |
| ST | 25th percentile and above | 70+ marks |
| PwD | 20th percentile and above | 50+ marks |
The percentile bands above represent minimum eligibility for state counselling participation — not admission guarantees into a specific college. For premium CMAT-accepting colleges like JBIMS Mumbai and SIMSREE, General category students typically need 99th percentile or above. State-level participation cutoffs and individual college admission cutoffs are two separate thresholds in the CMAT 2026 admissions cycle.
How Many Marks Are Required in CMAT 2026?
The marks required depend on your target college and state counselling process. A score of 260+ out of 400 (approximately 95+ percentile) is recommended for General category students targeting the top-50 CMAT-accepting MBA colleges. Students targeting state-level colleges through MP DTE or Maharashtra CAP can qualify with considerably lower scores, depending on their category.
| College / Program Tier | Approx. CMAT 2026 Score Required | Approx. Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| JBIMS Mumbai | 315+ out of 400 | 99.5+ percentile |
| SIMSREE Mumbai | 295+ out of 400 | 99+ percentile |
| KJ Somaiya Mumbai / PUMBA Pune | 265–294 out of 400 | 95–99 percentile |
| GIM Goa / Welingkar Mumbai | 240–264 out of 400 | 90–95 percentile |
| BIMTECH Greater Noida / IMT Nagpur | 220–239 out of 400 | 85–90 percentile |
| Maharashtra CAP Non-Autonomous Colleges (General) | 160–200 out of 400 | 60–80 percentile |
| MP DTE State MBA Colleges (General) | 140–180 out of 400 | 50–70 percentile |
CMAT Merit List 2025
The CMAT 2025 exam was conducted by NTA in early 2025, and the central AIR list was released shortly after — state merit lists for MBA admissions followed from July to August 2025. The 2025 cycle is the most directly comparable to CMAT 2026 for score-to-rank benchmarking, since both years featured similar candidate pool sizes and state counselling timelines. CMAT 2025 state merit lists are archived on their respective portals and remain the best reference for estimating your 2026 state rank range before all 2026 lists are fully published.
| State | Counselling Authority | CMAT 2025 Merit List Status | Archive Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madhya Pradesh | MP DTE | Released — July 2025 | dte.mponline.gov.in |
| Maharashtra | MAH CET Cell | Released via CAP 2025 — July–August 2025 | cetcell.mahacet.org |
| Goa | GCPA | Released — July–August 2025 | gcpa.goa.gov.in |
| Gujarat | ACPC | Released — August 2025 | acpc.ac.in |
| NTA Central AIR (CMAT 2025) | NTA | Released — early 2025 | cmat.nta.nic.in |
CMAT Previous Year Merit Lists (2023–2025)
Reviewing multiple years of CMAT merit lists helps students understand how cutoffs and state counselling timelines have evolved. Each year’s state merit list data lets you calibrate how a given CMAT score translates into a state rank and a college offer. All three cycles below concluded state counselling within 6–8 months of the exam date — a pattern CMAT 2026 is continuing.
CMAT 2025 Merit List
CMAT 2025 was conducted in early 2025 with a candidate base similar to 2026, making it the most relevant year for cutoff trend analysis. State merit lists ran July to August 2025 — the same window CMAT 2026 state lists are following in July 2026, confirming that the annual state counselling calendar has stabilised.
| State | Counselling Authority | Merit List Published |
|---|---|---|
| Madhya Pradesh | MP DTE | July 2025 |
| Maharashtra | MAH CET Cell | July–August 2025 |
| Goa | GCPA | July–August 2025 |
| Gujarat | ACPC | August 2025 |
CMAT 2024 Merit List
CMAT 2024 was conducted by NTA in March 2024; the central AIR was released in April 2024. State merit lists followed from June to August 2024. The 2024 cycle had a slightly smaller candidate pool than 2025 and 2026, so rank ranges at equivalent score bands tend to be marginally broader when using 2024 data for estimation.
| State | Counselling Authority | Merit List Published |
|---|---|---|
| Madhya Pradesh | MP DTE | July 2024 |
| Maharashtra | MAH CET Cell | July–August 2024 |
| Goa | GCPA | July–August 2024 |
| Gujarat | ACPC | August 2024 |
CMAT 2023 Merit List
CMAT 2023 was conducted by NTA in April 2023; the scorecard with AIR was released in May 2023. State merit lists were published from June to September 2023 — a slightly extended window compared to 2024 and 2025, reflecting post-pandemic normalisation in management education admissions. This is the earliest CMAT cycle that remains reliably comparable for cutoff trend analysis.
| State | Counselling Authority | Merit List Published |
|---|---|---|
| Madhya Pradesh | MP DTE | July–August 2023 |
| Maharashtra | MAH CET Cell | July–September 2023 |
| Goa | GCPA | August 2023 |
| Gujarat | ACPC | August–September 2023 |
CMAT Good Score 2026
A good score in CMAT 2026 is entirely relative to your target college and state counselling process. The maximum score in CMAT 2026 is 400; with 41,872 students having appeared, each percentile point represents roughly 419 students. Here is what each score band means in practice for the 2026 admissions cycle:
- 99+ percentile (295+ marks): Positions you for JBIMS Mumbai and SIMSREE — the two most competitive CMAT-accepting institutes in India. Fewer than 420 students nationally reached this band in 2026.
- 95–99 percentile (260–294 marks): A strong score for KJ Somaiya, PUMBA Pune, and comparable Tier-1 CMAT colleges. You rank among the top 2,100 students nationally.
- 90–95 percentile (240–259 marks): Opens doors to GIM Goa, Welingkar, Great Lakes Chennai, and similar reputed institutes. This band is widely recognised as a good CMAT score for well-regarded MBA programs.
- 80–90 percentile (200–239 marks): Qualifies for BIMTECH Greater Noida, IMT Nagpur, ITM Navi Mumbai, and many state colleges through Maharashtra CAP and MP DTE counselling.
- 70–80 percentile (180–199 marks): Sufficient for MP DTE state-level colleges and Maharashtra CAP non-autonomous programs — a viable score for students prioritising state-funded B-schools with lower fees.
- Below 70 percentile (below 180 marks): Narrows options primarily to specific private institutes or management quota seats; appearing in MAT, ATMA, or other supplementary entrances is advisable to widen your admission prospects.
Students who scored 90+ percentile in CMAT 2026 ranked in the top 4,200 out of 41,872 — a milestone that simultaneously opens eligibility across multiple state counselling processes and dozens of respected MBA programs.
Is Your CMAT 2026 Score a Good Score?
Whether your CMAT 2026 score qualifies as good depends on program type, state, and category. A score of 240+ marks (90+ percentile) is broadly considered competitive for well-known CMAT-accepting MBA programs. Students targeting state-level counselling in MP or Maharashtra can qualify with scores between 140 and 200 marks, with reserved-category students eligible at even lower thresholds. The table below maps score ranges to realistic admission outcomes for CMAT 2026.
Admission Possibilities Based on CMAT 2026 Score
| CMAT 2026 Score (out of 400) | Percentile Band | Admission Prospects |
|---|---|---|
| 315–400 | 99.5–100 | JBIMS Mumbai, SIMSREE Mumbai — most competitive CMAT-accepting institutes |
| 265–314 | 95–99.5 | KJ Somaiya, PUMBA Pune, Welingkar — strong shortlist for Tier-1 CMAT colleges |
| 240–264 | 90–95 | GIM Goa, BIMTECH, N.L. Dalmia, Great Lakes Chennai — good score with multiple options |
| 200–239 | 80–90 | IMT Nagpur, ITM Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra CAP autonomous colleges, MP DTE state colleges |
| 160–199 | 60–80 | Maharashtra CAP non-autonomous colleges; MP DTE state-run MBA programs |
| 140–159 | 50–60 | MP DTE state colleges; OBC-NCL and SC/ST students eligible for better options at this score |
| Below 140 | Below 50 | Limited options via state counselling; management quota or supplementary entrance exams advisable |
CMAT Marks vs Rank 2026
The CMAT 2026 marks vs rank data below is based on NTA scorecard information for the 41,872 students who appeared in the exam on January 25, 2026. NTA calculates percentile scores to seven decimal places to minimise ties in the merit list — meaning even a one-mark difference can shift dozens of ranks in the densely populated 85th–95th percentile band.
- CMAT 2026 total marks: 400 (4 marks per correct answer; −1 for each wrong answer; no deduction for unattempted questions).
- Five sections are scored individually on the scorecard: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation; Logical Reasoning; Language Comprehension; General Awareness; and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
- The top score in CMAT 2026 is approximately 345–350 out of 400, corresponding to 100 percentile and All India Rank 1.
- NTA’s percentile formula: Percentile = 100 × (Students who scored equal to or below your total ÷ Total students appeared).
- All India Rank ranges below are approximate estimates; always refer to your official NTA CMAT 2026 scorecard for your exact AIR.
| CMAT 2026 Score (out of 400) | Percentile | Approximate All India Rank (AIR) |
|---|---|---|
| 345–400 | 100 | 1–10 |
| 320–344 | 99.90+ | 11–50 |
| 295–319 | 99–99.90 | 51–500 |
| 280–294 | 98–99 | 501–1,000 |
| 260–279 | 95–98 | 1,001–2,500 |
| 240–259 | 90–95 | 2,501–4,200 |
| 220–239 | 85–90 | 4,201–6,300 |
| 200–219 | 80–85 | 6,301–8,400 |
| 180–199 | 70–80 | 8,401–12,600 |
| 160–179 | 60–70 | 12,601–16,800 |
| 140–159 | 50–60 | 16,801–21,000 |
| Below 140 | Below 50 | 21,001 and beyond |
FAQs
Ques: When was the CMAT 2026 merit list released?
Ans: NTA released the CMAT 2026 All India Rank list and scorecard on February 17, 2026, at cmat.nta.nic.in, for all 41,872 students who appeared in the January 25, 2026 exam. This is the central (national) merit list. State-level merit lists started releasing from July 2026 — MP DTE’s Round 1 CMAT-based MBA merit list is confirmed out (first week of July 2026), and Maharashtra’s CAP Final Merit List is expected on July 20, 2026.
Ques: Is the CMAT merit list the same as the CMAT result?
Ans: No. The CMAT result shows your raw score, section-wise marks, and percentile. The merit list ranks you within a specific applicant pool — nationally (NTA All India Rank) or within a state’s registered applicants. Your All India Rank on the NTA scorecard is the central merit list position. Your state rank on a portal like MP DTE or MAH CET Cell will differ, because it is calculated among only those students who registered for that specific state counselling process — a far smaller pool than 41,872.
Ques: How is the CMAT 2026 All India Rank calculated?
Ans: NTA calculates your AIR using the percentile method: Percentile = 100 × (Number of students who scored equal to or lower than you ÷ Total students appeared). Percentile values are computed to seven decimal places to minimise ties. Your All India Rank is then assigned based on this precise percentile. Students with identical total scores still receive different AIR values because section-level tie-breaking rules are applied before the final AIR is assigned.
Ques: What are the tie-breaking rules for the CMAT 2026 merit list?
Ans: When two or more students share the same total CMAT 2026 score, NTA resolves the tie using the following hierarchy:
| Priority | Tie-Breaking Criterion |
|---|---|
| 1 | Higher score in Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation |
| 2 | Higher score in Logical Reasoning |
| 3 | Higher score in Language Comprehension |
| 4 | Higher score in General Awareness |
| 5 | Higher score in Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
| 6 | Older age (student born earlier ranks higher) |
State counselling authorities such as MP DTE and MAH CET Cell may apply additional tie-breaking criteria on top of NTA’s rules for their own state merit lists. Always check the respective state counselling notification for state-specific tie-breaking policy.
Ques: How do I check the CMAT 2026 state merit list?
Ans: Visit the official portal of the state counselling authority where you registered and log in with your counselling credentials:
- Madhya Pradesh (MP DTE): Visit dte.mponline.gov.in and navigate to the MBA merit list section under your application login.
- Maharashtra (MAH CET Cell): Visit cetcell.mahacet.org and check the MAH MBA CET CAP merit list using your application number.
- Goa (GCPA): Monitor the GCPA official portal — the merit list is expected July–August 2026.
- Gujarat (ACPC): Visit acpc.ac.in and check the CMAT-based MBA merit list once published.
Ques: What documents are required after appearing in the CMAT 2026 state merit list?
Ans: Once your name appears in a state merit list, you must submit the following documents at the counselling document verification stage:
- CMAT 2026 scorecard (downloaded from cmat.nta.nic.in)
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and passing certificates
- Graduation degree or mark sheets (or enrollment certificate if you are in the final year)
- Category certificate — OBC-NCL (non-creamy layer), SC, ST, EWS, or PwD, as applicable
- Domicile or state residence certificate (for state quota seats)
- Government-issued identity proof (Aadhaar, passport, or voter ID)
- Recent passport-size photographs
Ques: Is there a category-wise merit list in CMAT 2026?
Ans: Yes. State counselling bodies prepare separate category-wise merit lists for CMAT 2026 to allocate reserved seats under SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, and PwD quotas. Your category rank is your position within your own category’s registered applicant pool in that state — it is always equal to or better than your overall general merit rank. When you apply under a reserved category in state counselling, your category merit list rank — not your overall rank — determines your seat allotment.
Ques: What is the difference between the NTA All India Rank and a state merit list rank in CMAT 2026?
Ans: Your NTA All India Rank (AIR) places you among all 41,872 students who sat CMAT 2026 nationwide. Your state merit list rank places you among only those students who registered for that specific state’s counselling process. Because not all 41,872 national students apply for every state, your state rank is typically better than your All India Rank. For example, if 4,000 students register for MP DTE’s MBA counselling in 2026, your MP state rank reflects competition among 4,000 — not 41,872 — making state counselling viable even for students with moderate All India Ranks.
Ques: What should I do if my name is not on the CMAT 2026 state merit list?
Ans: If your name does not appear on a state merit list, the most common reasons are: you did not register with that state’s counselling portal; documents were not verified in time; or your CMAT score did not meet the state’s minimum qualifying threshold. First, confirm your registration status on the state counselling portal using your application number. If you are registered and your name is still missing, raise a grievance through the official grievance window — typically open for 2–3 days after the provisional merit list is released. Contact the state counselling helpline for urgent resolution; do not wait until the grievance window closes.
Ques: Can I use my CMAT 2026 score for MBA admissions in 2027?
Ans: CMAT scores are valid for one year from the date of the exam. The CMAT 2026 score (exam date: January 25, 2026) is valid only for the 2026 MBA admissions cycle. For 2027 admissions, you must appear in the CMAT 2027 exam. A small number of institutes may accept a prior-year CMAT score for supplementary admission rounds, but this is the exception — confirm directly with each institute before assuming your 2026 score carries forward to 2027.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is sourced from official NTA notices, state counselling portals, and publicly available data as of July 15, 2026. CMAT 2026 merit list dates, cutoffs, and state counselling schedules are subject to revision by the respective authorities. Students are advised to verify all details at cmat.nta.nic.in and their respective state counselling portals before taking any action.
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